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SWEET INCENSE 



PRAYERS 



VARIOUS OCCASIONS IN LIFE. 






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'PRAY WITHOUT CEASING:' 



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READING, PA.: 
DANIEL MILLER, PUBLISHER. 

18 94. 



FEB 36 189 



h 



The Library 
of Congress 

washington 






COPYRIGHT, 1894, 
BY DANIEL MILLER. 



In 



The Ten Commandments. 

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before 
me. 

2. Thou shalt not make unto thyself any 
graven image, nor the likeness of any thing 
that is in heaven above, or in the earth be- 
neath, or in the water under the earth. 
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, 
nor serve them ; for I the Lord thy God am 
a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the 
fathers upon the children, unto the third 
and fourth generation of them that hate me, 
and showing mercy unto thousands of them 
that love me and keep my commandments. 

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the 
Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will 
not hold him guiltless that taketh his name 
in vain. 

4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it 
holy : six days shalt thou labour and do all 
thy work, but the seventh day is the Sab- 
bath of the Lord thy God : in it shalt thou 
do no manner of work, thou nor thy son, 
nor thy daughter, thy man servant nor thy 
maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor the stran- 
ger that is within thy gates. For in six 



4 SWEET INCENSE. 

days the Lord made heaven and earth, the 
sea, and all that in them is, and rested the 
seventh day ; wherefore the Lord blessed 
the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. 

5. Honour thy father and thy mother, 
that thy days may be long in the land which 
the Lord thy God giveth thee. 

6. Thou shalt not kill. 

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

8. Thou shalt not steal. 

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness 
against thy neighbor. 

10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's 
house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's 
wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid 
servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any- 
thing that is thy neighbor's. 



The Apostles' Creed. 

I. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, 
maker of heaven and earth : 

II. And in Jesus Christ, His only begot- 
ten Son, our Lord : 

III. Who was conceived by the Holy 
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary : 

IV. Suffered under Pontius Pilate ; was 
crucified, dead and buried ; He descended 
into hell : 

V. The third day He rose from the dead : 

VI. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth 



SWEET INCENSE. 

at the right hand of God the Father Al- 
mighty : 

VII. From thence He shall come to judge 
the quick and the dead. 
. VIII. I believe in the Holy Ghost : 

IX. I believe in the Holy Catholic 
Church : the communion of saints : 

X. The forgiveness of sins : 

XI. The resurrection of the body : 

XII. And the life everlasting. Amen. 



The Twenty-third Psalm. 

The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not 
want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pas- 
tures : he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul : he leadeth me in 
the paths of righteousness for his name's 
sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley 
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : 
for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff 
they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the 
presence of mine enemies : thou anointest 
my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow 
me all the days of my life : and I will dwell 
in the house of the Lord for ever. 



6 SWEET INCENSE. 

The Lord's Prayer. 

Our Father, which art in heaven, hal- 
lowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. 
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread, and for- 
give us our debts as we forgive our debtors, 
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver 
us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, 
the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

PRATERS FOR CHILDREN. 



Lord, look upon a little child, 

By nature sinful, weak and wild : 

O lay Thy gracious hands on me, 

And make me all I ought to be. Amen. 



Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, 
Look upon a little child ; 
Pity my simplicity, 
Suffer me to come to Thee. . 

Fain I would to Thee be brought ; 
Gracious God, forbid it not : 
In the kingdom of Thy grace, 
Give a little child a place. 

O supply my every want, 

Feed the young and tender plant, 

Day and night my keeper be, 

Every moment watch round me. Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. 7 

Morning Prayers. 
" Lord, I awake and see the light, 
For Thou hast kept me through the night ; 
To Thee I lift my hands, and pray, 
Keep me from sin throughout this day ; 
And if I die before 'tis done, 
Save me through Jesus Christ Thy Son." 

Amen. 

1 thank Thee, Lord, for having kept 

My soul and body while I slept. 

I pray Thee, Lord, that through this day, 

In all I do, or think, or say, 

I may be kept from harm and sin, 

And made both pure and good within. 

Let me in Thy blest love partake 

In life and death, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

O God ! I thank Thee that the night 
In peace and rest has passed away ; 

And that I see my Father's smile, 
In this fair light that makes it day. 

Be Thou my guide, and let me live 

As under Thy all-seeing eye ; 
Supply my wants, my sins forgive, 

And make me happy when I die. Amen. 



Now I awake to see the day, 

I give my soul to Christ away ; 

If I should die before the even, 

I trust He'll take me up to heaven. Amen. 



8 SWEET INCENSE. 

O God, my Father in heaven ! I thank 
Thee that Thou hast preserved and kept me 
during the night that is passed, and per- 
mitted me to see the light of a new day. Be 
Thou with me this day, and fit me for its 
duties and privileges. Help me to love 
Thee above all things. Help me to love 
and obey my parents and teachers. Keep 
Thou me from evil, and incline my heart to 
that which is good, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

Evening Prayers. 
Now I lay me down to sleep ; 
I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep ; 
If I should die before I wake, 
I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take : 
And this I ask for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



This night, my God ! for Jesus' sake, 

Thy blessing give to me ; 
Pardon my sins, and may I wake 

A better child to be. Amen. 



Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me ; 

Bless Thy little lamb to-night ; 
Through the darkness be Thou near me, 

Keep me safe till morning light. 

All this day Thy hand hath led me, 
And I thank Thee for Thy care ; 

Thou hast clothed me, warmed and fed me, 
Listen to my evening prayer. 



PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. 

Let my sins be all forgiven ; 

Bless the friends I love so well ; 
Take me, when I die, to heaven, 

Happy there with Thee to dwell. 



Dear Father in heaven ! I thank Thee 
that Thou hast been with me during this 
day, and hast brought me safely to its close. 
Help me to be thankful for Thy watchful 
care over me. Be Thou now also with me 
during the darkness of the night. Watch 
over me and let no evil come nigh unto me. 
Give unto me sweet and refreshing rest, and 
grant that I may arise again in health and 
vigor. Help me to be Thy loving child, 
and to grow in grace daily. All this I ask 
for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Prayer for a Sick Child. 

O Lord God, I come to Thee for help and 
succor. Thou hast afflicted me. Help me 
to know that Thou meanest it well. Give 
me grace to bear my affliction with patience. 
Bless me, O Father, and restore me soon to 
health. Do Thou not forsake me, but give 
me an assurance of Thy loving kindness. 
Bless this illness to me, and help me to be a 
better child of Thine because of it, for 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



10 SWEET INCENSE. 



TABLE PRAYERS. 



O God our Father, the eyes of all Thy 
children wait upon Thee, and Thou givest 
them their food in due season. We beseech 
Thee, sanctify these gifts of Thy hand to 
our invigoration and strength, and for Thy 
glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



Most merciful Father, we thank Thee for 
our daily bread, and pray for its sanctified 
use, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Almighty Father, we pray Thee, sanctify 
this food, that it may strengthen us to do 
and to endure Thy holy will perfectly, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Come, Lord Jesus, be Thou our guest, 

And bless what Thou prepared hast. Amen. 



Gracious Father, bless this food, 
For Thy glory and our good. Amen. 



OGod, 


from whom 


cometh 


down 


every 


good and 


perfect 


gift 


enable 


us to 


enjoy 


these blessings of 


Thy bounty 


with 


grati- 



CHURCH SERVICE. 11 

tude. Give us grace that whether we eat or 
drink, or whatever we do, we may do all to 
Thy glory, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



O Lord God, bless the gifts of Thy hand 
to our use, and us to Thy service, for Christ's 
sake. Amen. 



Before and After Church Service. 



O God, we thank Thee for this privilege 
of meeting in Thy house. Help us to wor- 
ship Thee acceptably. Bless Thy word to 
us all. Bless pastor and people, for Christ's 
sake. Amen. 



O Lord, grant us Thy Holy Spirit that 
we may worship Thee in spirit and in truth. 
Open our hearts that we may receive Thy 
word, that it may make us wise unto salva- 
tion, for Christ's sake. Amen. 



O God, our Father, we come before Thee 
now, in this sacred place. Help us to wor- 
ship Thee in spirit and in truth. Make Thy 
word quick and powerful to the saving of 
our souls, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



12 SWEET INCENSE. 

Come, Gracious Spirit, heavenly Dove, 
With light and comfort from above. 
Be Thou our Guardian, Thou our Guide, 
O'er every thought and step preside. Amen. 



Come, Holy Spirit, come, 
Let Thy bright beams arise, 

Dispel the darkness from our minds, 
And open all our eyes. 

Eevive our drooping faith, 
Our doubts and fears remove, 

And kindle in our breasts the flame 
Of never-dying love. Amen. 



Gracious Spirit ! Love divine ! 

Let Thy light within me shine ; 
All my guilty fears remove, 

Fill me full of heaven and love. Amen. 



Take my poor heart, and let it be, 
Forever closed to all but Thee ! 
Seal Thou my breast and let me wear 
That pledge of love forever there. Amen. 



Almighty God, Thy word is cast 

Like seed into the ground ; 
Now let the dews of heaven descend, 

And righteous growth abound. Amen. 



BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY. 13 

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY. 



ivas born 



Prayer. 
Almighty God, my heavenly Father, I 
thank Thee that Thou hast spared me to see 
the light of this interesting day. From 
early childhood to this moment Thou hast 
watched over me and preserved me. Help 
me this day to remember Thy love and 
mercy. Thy goodness has ever been new 
unto me. In all times and seasons, in joy 
and in sorrow, Thou hast always been the 
same gracious Father unto me. All my 
wants have been supplied. Help me now 
to be devoutly, thankful, and truly to love 
Thee. May Thy loving kindness draw my 
heart ever nearer to Thee. Remind me this 
day of the rapid flight of time, and so teach 
me to number my days that I may apply 
my heart unto wisdom. Help me to re- 
member that soon the days and years of this 



14 SWEET INCENSE. 

life will be over. Help me so to live that 
when life's end comes, I may render my ac- 
count to Thee with joy, and not with grief. 

Lord, abide with me. Comfort me when 
in sorrow, and help me to be thankful when 
in prosperity. Blessed Savior, who art the 
Way, the Truth and the Life, help me to 
love and serve Thee, that I may after this 
short life be fitted for life everlasting, for 
Thy name's sake. 

Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



ANNIVERSARY OF BAPTISM. 



was baptized 



Prayer. 
Gracious God and Father, I thank Thee 
this day that I was early made a member of 
Thy kingdom by the holy sacrament of bap- 
tism. I thank Thee that I am not my own, 
but belong to my faithful Savior, Jesus 
Christ, who has made full satisfaction for 
all my sins. I thank Thee that before I 






AXXIVERSARY OF BAPTISM. 15 

could know Thee, I was brought to Thee in 
holy baptism, and that now I am in the 
covenant of grace. I thank Thee for the 
promises given to those thus brought to 
Thee. Help me to realize and renew the 
promises made in my behalf at my baptism, 
and to confirm them by a holy life. Grant 
unto me ever the renewal of the Holy 
Ghost, and the forgiveness of sins, so that I 
may live unto Thee, and not unto the 
world. Ever guide my steps that I may 
not wander away from Thee. 

I thank Thee, O Father, for the great 
blessings which I enjoy as a member of the 
Church. Sanctify unto me the means of 
grace, that I may be fitted for Thy service 
here and for Thy glory hereafter. Guide 
me, O Thou great Jehovah, through this 
life, and bring me at last into Thy glorious 
kingdom in heaven, for Jesus' sake. 

Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



16 SWEET INCENSE. 

PRAYERS FOR CATECHUMENS. 



Before Instruction. 

Lord Jesus, Thou art the Way, the Truth 
and the Life. No man cometh to the Father 
but by Thee. Lead me in Thy way, guide 
me into Thy truth, and impart Thy life unto 
me. Help me to learn Thy word diligently 
and to ponder the same in a devout heart. 

O God, I thank Thee that Thou hast 
brought me to this interesting and important 
period of my life. Hitherto Thou hast 
blessed me in many ways. Thou hast early 
brought me into Thy covenant by baptism. 
Thou hast given me numerous opportunities 
to learn of Thee and of the way of life. 
Bless the instructions I have hitherto en- 
joyed in the family, in the Sunday school, 
and in the church. Help me to be thankful 
for all of these blessings, and do Thou now 
graciously bless the instructions which are 
intended to prepare my heart for full mem- 
bership in Thy Church. Enable me to 
realize my sinfulness, and my need of Thee, 
my God and my Savior. Create in me a 
clean heart and renew a right spirit within 
me. Help me to be truly penitent for all 



PRAYERS FOR CATECHTJMEXS. 17 

my sins, and do Thou graciously forgive 
them all for the sake of Christ's merits. 
Help me to depart from all iniquity, and to 
follow after righteousness and holiness all 
the days of my life. 

O Lord, bless my pastor. Bless his in- 
structions to me and to others. May Thy 
word make us wise unto salvation. Help 
us all to know our sins and miseries, and do 
Thou by Thy word and spirit show us how 
we may be delivered from them, that we 
may also show our thankfulness by leading 
holy and blameless lives before Thee. All 
of which I ask for Jesus' sake. 



My faith looks up to Thee, 
Thou Lamb of Calvary, 

Savior divine : 
Now hear me while I pray, 
Take all my guilt away ; 
O let me from this day 

Be wholly Thine ! 

May Thy rich grace impart 
Strength to my fainting heart, 

My zeal inspire ; 
As Thou hast died for me, 
O may my love to Thee 
Pure, warm, and changeless be, 

A living fire. 






18 SWEET INCENSE. 

While life's dark maze I tread, 
And griefs around me spread, 

Be Thou my guide ; 
Bid darkness turn to day, 
Wipe sorrow's tears away, 
Nor let me ever stray 

From Thee aside. 

When ends life's transient dream, 
When death's cold, sullen stream 

Shall o'er me roll ; 
Blest Savior! then in l<>ve 
Fear and distrust remove ; 
O bear me safe above, 

A ransomed soul. 



After Instruction. 
I. 
Almighty God, I thank Thee for the les- 
sons I have been permitted to learn. Let 
the truth sink deep into my heart and bring 
forth the fruits of righteousness/ Let Thy 
Holy Spirit accompany the instructions re- 
ceived, and let them be a savor of life unto 
me. Give me a hungering and thirsting af- 
ter Thy righteousness, O my Savior. De- 
liver me from my sins and cover me with 
Thy righteousness. Help me to renew my 
baptismal vows, and to consecrate myself en- 
tirely to Thy service. Accept my poor 



PRAYERS FOR CATECHUMENS. 19 

heart, and make it throb with love to Thee. 
Thine, and Thine only, would I be, in time 
and eternity. Help me to be Thy faithful 
and obedient child. Help me to shun all 
evil associations, and to choose Thee as my 
guide and my everlasting portion, for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



II. 

Almighty God, most merciful Father, I 
beseech Thee to seal with Thy blessing the 
lesson of divine truth, that it may bring 
forth fruit unto everlasting life. I am ig- 
norant, do Thou enlighten me ; I am weak, 
do Thou perfect Thy strength in my weak- 
ness. Help me to be a doer of Thy word, 
and not a hearer only. Defend me against 
all the temptations of the world, the flesh 
and the devil. Renew me by Thy Holy 
Spirit, and help me daily to cultivate a habit 
of purity, and of devout, fervent prayer. 
Help me to find my true, abiding comfort 
in life and in death, by consecrating my- 
self, with all that I possess, to my faithful 
Savior, Jesus Christ, to whom, with Thee 
and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, 
world without end. Amen. 

Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



20 SWEET INCENSE. 

Just as I am, without one plea, 
But that Thy blood was shed for me, 
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee, 
O Lamb of God ! I come — I come ! 

Just as I am, and waiting not 
To rid my soul of one dark blot, 
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, 
O Lamb of God ! I come — I come ! 

Just as I am, though tossed about 
With many a conflict, many a doubt, 
Fightings and fears within, withe ur, 
O Lamb of God ! I come —I c me ! 

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind ! 
Sight, riches, healing of the mind, 
Yea, -all I need, in Thee to find, 
O Lamb of God ! I come — I come ! 

Just as I am ; Thou wilt receive, 

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve ; 

Because Thy promise I believe, 

O Lamb of God ! I c >me — I come ! 

Just as I am ; Thy love unknown 
Has broken every barrier down ; 
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, 
O Lamb of God ! I come ! I come ! 



PJRAYERS FOR CATECHUMENS. 21 

Before Confirmation. 
I. 

O God, my heavenly Father, I thank 
Thee that Thon hast brought me to this im- 
portant day. I thank Thee for all past 
mercies — for Thy care over me since child- 
hood, for the leadings of Thy providence, 
for parents and friends, for daily food, for 
all the blessings of this life, but especially 
for the blessings of Thy grace. I thank Thee 
that Thou hast led my feet to walk in the 
way of life. I thank Thee for the blessings 
of holy baptism, and for Thy word which is 
able to make me wise unto salvation. I 
thank Thee for the instructions I have re- 
ceived from Thy servant. Do Thou abun- 
dantly reward him for his labor of love. 

And now, O my Father, grant me Thy 
blessing this day. Sanctify the lessons I 
have learned, and grant me a clear under- 
standing of Thy word. Help me now to 
renew the vows made in my behalf at my 
baptism, and to take them upon myself. 
Enable me now to confess Thee before the 
world. Do Thou strengthen me. Increase 
and confirm my faith in Thee. Let Thy 
Holy Spirit dwell richly in me and sanctify 
me. Make me Thine, entirely Thine. Shed 



22 SWEET INCENSE. 

Thy love abroad in my heart, and help me 
to show my love for Thee by a holy walk 
and a godly conversation. O Lord, bless 
my fellow catechumens, and help all to 
yield themselves heartily to their blessed 
Savior who died for them. 

Lord, I am Thine. Thou hast purchased 
me with blood divine. Do Thou now gra- 
ciously accept of me, and let me be Thy 
child. Go Thou with me to the house of 
God, help me to fix my heart upon Thee 
and to perform my vow unto Thee, for Je- 
sus' sake. 

Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



II. 

Almighty God, my heavenly Father, I 
thank Thee for bringing me to this decisive 
day. Hitherto Thou hast helped me. From 
my birth to this moment Thy fatherly care 
has watched over me. Through the holy 
Sacrament of Baptism, and through Thy 
Word and Spirit, Thou hast made me Thy 
child. This day I desire to renew and assume 
the covenant made in my behalf in my child- 
hood. O most merciful Father, who is suf- 
ficient for these things ! Thou art the searcher 
of all hearts, and knowest me better than I 
know myself. Unworthy, sinful and weak, 



PRAYERS FOR CATECHUMENS. 23 

I abhor my sins, and beseech Thee, for the 
sake of Jesus Christ Thy Son, pardon my 
sins and purify me from all inward unclean- 
ness. May Thy Holy Spirit work in me to 
will and to do after His own good pleasure. 
Give me a healthful and chaste body, a pure 
and holy soul, a sanctified and humble 
spirit, and preserve my body, soul and spirit 
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

Most merciful Father, I am Thy child. 
Help me this day to dedicate unto Thee my 
body, soul and spirit, for this world and for 
that which is to come. O most merciful 
Savior, help me in this solemn Hour. May 
I adoringly fix my heart and mind entirely 
on Thee. And when my lips utter the sol- 
emn vow, do Thou in mercy give me grace, 
faithfully and forever to keep what I pledge 
and promise. Living, may I live unto 
Thee, and dying, may I die unto Thee ; 
therefore, w T hether living or dying, may I 
be Thine forever. O triune God, Father, 
Son and Holy Ghost, hear me for the sake 
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

I believe in God the Father, etc. 

Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



24 SWEET INCENSE. 

Lord, I am Thine, entirely Thine, 
Purchased and saved by blood divine ; 
With full consent, Thine I would be, 
And own Thy sov'reign right in me. 

Here, Lord, my nVsh, my soul, my all, 
I yield to Thee, beyond recall ; 
Accept Thine own so loni* withheld, 
Accept what I so freely yield ! 

Grant one poor sinner more a place, 
Among the children of Thy grace ; 
A wretched sinner, lost to God, 
But ransom'd by Immanuers blood. 

Thine would I live, Thine would I die, 
Be Thine through all eternity ; 
The vow is past beyond repeal, 
Now will I set the solemn seal. 

Here, at that cross, where flows the blood, 
That bought my«guilty soul for God, 
Thee, my new master, now I call, 
And consecrate to Thee my all. 

Do Thou assist a feeble worm, 
The great engagement to perform ; 
Thy grace can full assistance lend, 
And on that grace I dare depend. 



PRAYERS FOR CATECHUMENS. 25 

After Confirmation. 

MY CHRISTIAN OBLIGATIONS. 

1. I have promised to renounce the world, 
the flesh, and the devil. 

2. I profess to believe in God the Father, 
God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, (Re- 
peat the Apostles' Creed.) 

3. I have promised to follow Christ and 
to keep His commandments all the days of 
my life. 

Lord, have mercy upon me, and help me 
to keep these promises faithfully. 



Most merciful Father, I thank Thee that 
Thou hast given me grace to renew my vows 
before Thee, and admitted me into full com- 
munion with Thy Church. I beseech Thee, 
help me henceforth to be Thine in body, 
soul and spirit, in life and in death. Give 
me grace to walk in the Spirit, that I may 
not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Let Thy 
Holy Spirit purify my corrupt nature, suc- 
cor me in all temptation, and assist me in 
all my religious duties. Make my will pa- 
tient, my conscience pure, my temper bright 
and gentle. Empty me of self, and fill me 
with Thy Spirit, Increase my faith, mel- 
low my judgment, stir my zeal, enlarge and 



26 SWEET INCENSE. 

purify my heart. Let my life enforce what 
my lips have uttered. Do Thou choose for 
me the work I do, and the place in which I 
do it ) and help me to be steadfast, immov- 
able, always abounding in the work of the 
'Lord. Keep me faithful unto death, and 
then give me the crown of life, through Je- 
sus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Jesus, I my cross have taken, 

All to leave and follow Thee ; 
Naked, poor, despised, forsaken, 

Thou, from hence, my all shalt be ! 
Perish ev'ry fond ambition, 

All I've sought, or hoped, or known, 
Yet how rich is my condition, 

God and heav'n are still my own ! 

Let the world despise and leave me, 

They have left my Savior, too ; 
Human hearts and looks deceive me — 

Thou art not, like them, untrue ; 
Oh, while Thou dost smile upon me, 

God of wisdom, love and might, 
Foes may hate, and friends disown me, 

Show thy face, and all is bright. 

Man may trouble and distress me, 
'Twill but drive me to Thy breast ; 

Life with trials hard may press me ; 
Heaven will bring me sweeter rest ! 



PRAYEES FOR COMMUNION. 27 

Oh, 'tis not in grief to harm me, 

While Thy love is left to me, 
Oh, 'twere not in joy to charm me, 

Were that joy unmixed with Thee. 

Go then, earthly fame and treasure ! 

Come disaster, scorn and pain ! 
In Thy service pain is pleasure, 

With Thy favor, loss is gain. 
I have called Thee — Abba, Father ! 

I have stayed my heart on Thee ! 
Storms may howl, and clouds may gath er, 

All must work for good to me. 



PRAYERS FOR COMMUNION. 



Before Communion. 

Gracious and eternal God, in the name of 
rny blessed Savior do I come before Thee 
and ask for Thy blessing. I humbly con- 
fess my sins and ask forgiveness for His 
sake. I have sinned in thought, word and 
deed, but I thank Thee for the promise of 
forgiveness for the sake of Christ's merits. 
Apply now the cleansing blood of Jesus to 
my soul, that it may be made white as snow. 

I thank Thee, O my Savior, for the blessed 
sacrament which commemorates Thy dying 
love. I now come as a humble guest to Thy 
table, Lord. Help me to come with peni- 



28 SWEET INCENSE. 

tence and faith. Grant that as I receive 
into my body the elements of bread and 
wine, my soul may be nourished with the 
Bread of Life. O do Thou quicken and 
nourish me, and help me to consecrate my- 
self anew to Thy service. 

O Thou Lamb of God that takest away 
the sin of the world, be merciful to me, a 
sinner, and grant me Thy peace. Grant 
unto me grace to depart from evil and to 
follow Thee. Help me now to be in per- 
fect charity with all men. Help me to exer- 
cise a forgiving spirit, that Thou mayest also 
graciously forgive me. Grant me now the 
true preparation of the heart, that I may 
worthily partake of this holy and precious 
feast, to the praise of Thy glorious grace, 
and to the salvation of my soul, for Jesus' 
sake. Bless all, O Lord, who shall this day 
approach Thy holy table. Help all to feel 
their sins and their unworthiness, and to 
plead the merits of our blessed Savior. For- 
bid, Lord, that any should eat and drink 
unworthily, not discerning the Lord's body. 
Help all to confess their sins, and do Thou 
mercifully forgive them for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



PRAYERS FOR COMMUNION. 29 

O God unseen, yet ever near, 

Thy presence may we feel ; 
And thus inspired with holy fear, 

Before Thine altar kneel. 

Here may Thy faithful people know 

The blessings of Thy love ; 
The streams that through the desert flow, 

The manna from above. 

We come, obedient to Thy word, 

To feast on heavenlv food ; 
Our meat, the Body of the Lord ; 

Our drink, His precious Blood. 

Thus would we all Thy wort Is obey ; 

For we, O God, are Thine ; 
And go rejoicing on our way, 

Renewed with strength divine. 



After Communion. 

O God, my dear Father in Christ Jesus, 
I thank Thee with all my heart for the 
blessings enjoyed this day. I thank Thee 
for the blessed memorial of Thy Son, my 
Savior. I thank Thee that Thou hast given 
me to have part in the holy communion of 
the body and blood of our Lord and Savior 
Jesus Christ. Attend now the use of this 
holy sacrament with quickening power to 



30 SWEET INCENSE. 

my soul, and keep me in everlasting union 
with Thy dear Son. Grant me grace that I 
may ever be faithful to Thee. Grant that 
the elements of the sacrament may with true 
effect represent to my soul the broken body 
and the shed blood of my Lord and Savior, 
Jesus Christ. May I be enabled to go many 
days in the strength received this day. Es- 
tablish me in every good word and work, 
and confirm me to the end, that I may be 
blameless in the day of the Lord Jesus 
Christ. Help me to continue in His Holy 
fellowship unto the end. 

Bless all who this day have been guests 
at Thy table. Confirm each one in his holy 
faith. Help us all to be thankful for the 
rich feast, and to manifest our gratitude by 
a godly life. May none crucify their Lord 
afresh, but may all walk more closely with 
their Savior. Assist us by Thy grace that 
we may all continue in Thy service unto 
death, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to 
whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be 
honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 

{Read Psalm 103.) 



PRAYERS AT FESTIVALS. 31 



PBAYERS AT FESTIVALS. 



Advent. 

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, I 
thank Thee that after man, created in Thine 
own image, had fallen into sin and wandered 
away from Thee, Thou didst not leave him 
to perish in helpless misery, but didst pro- 
vide a Savior and Deliverer. I thank Thee 
for the promise made unto the fathers by 
the mouths of the prophets and holy men of 
old, of the coming of Thy Son into the world 
to seek and to save the lost. I thank Thee 
for the advent of Thy Son, the Hope of Is- 
rael, the Desire of all nations, the Redeemer 
of the world, to whom be glory for ever and 
ever. 

Help me now, O God, to feel my need of 
the Savior, that I may be prepared for His 
coming. Help me to repent heartily and 
truly of all my sins, and so to humble my- 
self, that when He cometh I may receive 
Him with childlike faith, and that I may 
share in the blessings and the glory of the 
coming of the Son of Man into the world. 
Amen. 



32 SWEET INCENSE. 

Christmas. 

Almighty God, Eternal Father, I thank 
Thee that Thou didst so love the world as 
to give Thine only begotten Son, that who- 
soever believeth in Him should not perish, 
but have everlasting life. I thank Thee for 
the manifestation of the Son of God in the 
flesh. I thank Thee that He is not only the 
Savior of the world, but also my Savior. I 
thank Thee that Thou hast given me part 
in the great blessings which Thy Son has 
brought into the world as the Savior of men. 
Grant unto me now the precious gift of faith 
whereby I may know that the Son of God 
is come, that I may have part in His re- 
demption. 

I thank Thee, O blessed Jesus, that Thou 
didst take upon Thyself the nature of sinful 
man ; that Thou didst make a full satisfac- 
tion for all my sins, and didst reconcile me 
to the Father. I thank Thee for the great 
joy which Thy coming into the world has 
brought to mankind. 

O blessed Jesus, I thank Thee that Thou 
didst become a little child, so that we might 
become children of God. I pray that Thou 
mayest also be born in my poor heart. 
Grant me a childlike faith and unite me 



PRAYERS AT FESTIVALS. 33 

with Thyself by the power of Thy grace. 
Let the Sun of Righteousness arise in my 
soul, with . healings in His wings. Make 
me a true child of God, and an heir of life 
eternal. 

O Lord God, let the glad tidings of sal- 
vation be diffused throughout the whole 
world. Hasten the time when the knowl- 
edge of Jesus shall cover the whole earth. 

O bless Thy people this day. Bless all, 
great and small, who now rejoice in the 
birth of Jesus. Help all to receive the new- 
born King with open hearts, and to join in 
the song of the angels : " Glory to God in 
the highest ; peace on earth, good will to 
men." All of which I ask for His name's 
sake. Amen. 

{Read second chapter of Matthew and second chapter of 

Luke.) 



At the Close of the Year. 

O God, my Father in heaven, I thank 
Thee that Thou hast brought me safely to 
the close of this year. I thank Thee for all 
Thy mercies, known and unknown. I thank 
Thee for the blessings of Thy merciful prov- 
idence. Thou hast cared for me and spared 
me. Whilst others have been called to suf- 
fer heavy afflictions, and many have been 



34 SWEET INCENSE. 

called to their account, Thou hast mercifully 
spared me, unworthy as I am. 
N f I thank Thee for all the mercies and fa- 
vors of the past year — for the comforts of 
this life, but especially for the blessings of 
Thy grace. I thank Thee for the knowl- 
edge of the truth as it is in Jesus, and for 
all the means of grace enjoyed during the 
past year. Grant that all the great bless- 
ings received may be wisely improved to the 
praise of Thy name, and to the salvation of 
my soul. 

Forgive now, Lord, the sins of the past 
year. I humbly confess my shortcomings 
and sins, and beseech Thee for pardon. Blot 
out all my transgressions and my sins of 
omission, and remember them against me no 
more forever. 

O Lord God, remind me this day of the 
rapid flight of time. So teach me to num- 
ber my days that I may apply my heart 
unto wisdom. Teach me to remember that 
soon I shall reach the last year of this life. 
Help me so to improve my time that I may 
be fitted for Thy service here, and Thy glory 
hereafter. Abide with me, and in the even- 
ing of life lead Thou me through the valley 
of the shadow of death into the haven of 
everlasting peace, and Thy great name shall 
have all the praise. 









PKAYERS AT FESTIVALS. 35 

Father, bless now with me all Thy peo- 
ple. Remember in mercy and bless all 
those in affliction and sorrow of any kind. 
May their sorrowful experiences bring them 
nearer to Thee. Bless the world that lieth 
in wickedness. May the glorious cause of 
Christ be rapidly extended until all shall 
accept Him as their only Savior. Amen. 

New Year's Day. 

Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place 
in all generations. With Thee there is no 
beginning of days nor end of years. A 
thousand years in Thy sight are but as yester- 
day when it is past, and as a watch in the 
night. Thou art the same unchangeable 
God, yesterday and to-day, and forever. 

O God, I thank Thee that Thou hast per- 
mitted me to begin a new year. Help me 
to begin it in Thy name, and to spend its 
days and months in Thy service. Hitherto 
the Lord has helped me. Goodness and 
mercy have followed me all the days of 
my life. Be Thou still my guide and my 
help. The future is dark and unknown to 
me. Do Thou mercifully choose out all my 
ways for me. Grant unto me, O Lord, the 
guidance of Thy Holy Spirit, that I may 
walk in Thy way. Give Thine angels 



36 SWEET INCENSE. 

charge over me that they may keep me in 
all my ways. Lead me by Thy Truth, Thy 
Word is truth. 

O Father, lead me in the path of righteous- 
ness for Thy name's sake. Help me to shun 
the ways of sin. Help me to die daily unto 
sin and the world, and to become more alive 
in Christ Jesus. May this new year be to 
me a year of grace and salvation. As every 
passing year brings me nearer to death and 
eternity, grant that I may be better prepared 
for the solemn change. Should this be my 
last year on earth, may it be my best. Fit 
me daily for Thy service here below, that I 
may also be fitted for Thy glory in heaven 
above. 

Bless, O Lord, all Thy people. May Thy 
kingdom be greatly extended during this 
year, and many souls be born unto Thee. 
Bless Thy Church. Grant that she may 
arise and shine in all her glory. Bless Thy 
word to the edification of Thy children, and 
to the conviction and conversion of many 
sinners. Bless those who are called to preach 
the gospel, and help all who hear it to obey 
the same. Hear me now, O Lord, for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



PRAYERS AT FESTIVALS. 37 

Lent. 

Almighty God, help me at this time to 
think of my sins, and do Thou give me true 
penitence for them. Grant unto me grace 
that I may be in a proper frame of mind to 
contemplate the sufferings of the Savior, in 
order to make an atonement for the sins of 
the whole race. 

O God, I thank Thee for the precious 
promise of the forgiveness of sin. I now 
heartily confess all my sins, and do Thou 
graciously pardon me, for the sake of the 
sufferings of the Savior. Help me always 
to remember my sinful nature, and do Thou 
give me continuously a meek and penitent 
spirit. O Lord, give unto me the same 
mind that was in Christ Jesus during His 
fasting and temptation, that I may always 
resist evil, and follow Him only. Keep me 
ever in living union with my blessed Savior, 
that, departing from all evil, I may live in 
and for Him. Amen. 



38 SWEET INCENSE. 

Good Friday. 

{Read Matthew 27 and Luke 23.) 

Almighty and gracious God ! I thank 
Thee that Thou didst send Thy Son into the 
world to die for sinners, even for me. I 
thank Thee this day for all that Jesus has 
endured on the cross for the sins of the world. 
I thank Thee for His holy passion, His bitter 
agony, and His atoning death. I praise 
Thee that through His meritorious death 
there is forgiveness of sin for all that truly 
repent and believe. Help me to contemplate 
His death on the cross. Create in me a 
greater abhorrence for sin. 

O Lamb of God which taketh away the 
sin of the world, have mercy upon me and 
grant me Thy peace. I thank Thee for all 
Thou hast suffered in my stead — for Thy 
humiliation and shame, for Thy bloody 
sweat, for Thy sufferings in the garden and 
upon the cross. Help me to remember that 
Thou hast suffered all this for me, as well 
as for many others. O grant that Thy great 
sufferings may work in me a hatred for sin. 
Help me to crucify the flesh with all its 
lusts and desires. Help me to die unto the 
world and to follow Thee. Help me to re- 
member that I am purchased with a great 



PRAYERS AT FESTIVALS. 39 

price— purchased and saved by blood divine. 
Help me, dear Savior, to devote my life to 
Thy service and praise. May Thy blood 
cleanse me from all sin. Clothe Thou me 
with Thy righteousness. Enable me to be 
faithful unto death, that I may receive the 
crown of life. 

Dear Savior, bless all who profess Thy 
name ; yea, bless all classes and conditions 
of men. Let the gospel of Thy sacrificial 
atonement be proclaimed throughout the 
world. May many who are yet far away 
from Thee be brought to share the blessings 
of Thy salvation. May the set time soon 
come, when all shall know Thee and own 
Thee as the King of kings, and Lord of 
lords, for Thy name's sake. 

O Lord, bless all who this day shall pro- 
fess Thy name for the first time. Help all 
such to vow sincerely, and to continue faith- 
ful unto the end. Sustain them by Thy rich 
grace amid all the temptations and trials of 
life. Help them to realize their own weak- 
ness, and to lean upon Thine almighty arm 
for strength, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 



40 SWEET INCENSE. 

Easter. 

(Read Matthew 28 and Luke 24.) 

God, Eternal Father, thanks be to Thee 
for this glorious Easter day ; the day that 
saw our Lord arise. Thanks be to Thee for 
the inestimable gift of Thy Son, our Savior ; 
for His life, His sufferings and His death ; 
and also for His triumphant resurrection 
from the grave. Thanks be to Thee that 
He triumphed over death and the grave, 
and has become the firstfruits of them that 
slept. Thanks be to God who giveth us 
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1 thank Thee, O Jesus, that Thou hast 
lain in the grave, and hallowed it, so that 
the grave has no more fears for those who 
truly believe in Thee. I thank Thee that I, 
who was dead in trespasses and in sin, may 
now be raised to life and immortality. I 
rejoice that I may now hopefully exclaim : 
" O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, 
where is thy victory ?" 

Help me, O Lord, to put off the old man 
of sin, and to put on the new man, and to 
be renewed after the image of my Savior, in 
righteousness and holiness. Help me to 
arise from all that is beneath and to seek 
that which is above, where Christ sitteth at 



PRAYERS AT FESTIVALS. 41 

the right hand of the Father. May the life 
of the Savior be evermore my life. Keep 
me and all Thy children in the communion 
of the Holy Ghost, and bring us at last to a 
blissful resurrection of the dead, for Thine 
own name's sake. 

O God, do Thou awaken all who are still 
sleeping in sin. Bless the glorious gospel 
of the resurrection of Thy Son to the salva- 
tion of many that as yet know Thee not. 
Help them to forsake the sinful things of the 
world, and to arise and go to their Father's 
house. Hasten the coming of the time when 
all shall know and love and serve Thee. 

Bless, O Lord, Thy people as they meet 
to worship Thee this day. Hear their pray- 
ers, accept their praises, and bless Thy holy 
Word to their edification. Bless Thy min- 
istering servants, that they may speak as 
Thou givest them utterance. Let great 
grace rest upon Thy holy Church. Let her 
arise and shine in the beauty of the Lord, to 
the praise of Thy glorious name. Amen. 



42 SWEET INCENSE. 

Ascension Day. 

(Read Acts 1: 1—14.) 

Thou blessed Son of God, I thank Thee 
that after Thou hadst finished the work of 
human redemption upon the earth, Thou 
didst ascend to heaven and art now seated 
at the right hand of God. Thou hast led 
captivity captive, and art now dispensing 
gifts unto men. Help me, I pray Thee, to 
overcome my sinful nature, and cleanse me 
from my evil inclinations and the lusts of 
the flesh. Thou who art the only mediator 
between God and man, do Thou graciously 
intercede in my behalf. Enable me in all 
my sorrows and trials in this life with an as- 
sured confidence to await Thy coming, when 
Thou wilt take all Thy saints into mansions 
of heavenly bliss. 

Help me continually to rise above the sin- 
ful elements of the world, and to set my af- 
fections on the things above. While I am 
in the world, help me not to be of the world. 
Help me to grow in grace and in the knowl- 
edge of the Lord. Abide with me, O my 
Savior, and keep me evermore in living com- 
munion with Thee and all Thy saints. 

O Lord God, bless all Thy people on the 
earth. Thou knowest their wants and their 



PRAYERS AT FESTIVALS. 43 

desires. Suit Thy blessing to each individ- 
ual want, and do Thou draw the hearts of all 
unto Thee. Bless the world with a knowl- 
edge of Thy Truth. Help all to forsake 
the error of their way, and come to the Lord 
Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the 
Life. I ask all for His sake. 

Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



Whitsunday— Pentecost. 
I. 
O God of peace and consolation, on the 
day of Pentecost Thou didst fulfill the great 
promise of the gospel by sending down Thy 
Holy Ghost to establish the Church as the 
home of His continual presence and power 
in the world. Do Thou grant unto me this 
same gift of the Spirit. May Thy divine 
influence be over me and around me like the 
light and dew of heaven. Be pleased to re- 
vive and quicken me in the way of holy 
obedience. O Holy Ghost, do Thou dwell 
in my body as Thy consecrated temple. 
Bring forth in my heart and life the fruits 
of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentle- 
ness, faith, meekness and temperance. Com- 
fort me in every time of trouble. Strengthen 
me in every hour of weakness. Help me to 
subdue the lusts of the flesh. Be my guide. 



44 SWEET INCENSE. 

Lead me into all truth. Give me courage 
for every good word and work. Help me 
to overcome the world and to live as a true 
child of God. Amen. 



II. 



Almighty and most glorious Lord God, 
who at holy Whitsuntide didst pour out Thy 
Holy Spirit upon Thine Apostles, vouchsafe 
unto me the light of His inspiration, and 
inflame in me the fire of His love. 

O Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Fa- 
ther and the Son, sanctify me in spirit, soul 
and body. Grant unto me Thy heavenly 
gifts. Abide in my heart. Keep me from 
sin. Guide me in the way of truth. May 
my life here be one of holiness, and may I 
share in the glory of the heavenly kingdom. 
And to Thee, with the Father and the Son, 
shall be all honor and glory, world without 
end. Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 45 

PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



In Tribulation. 

O gracious and most merciful God, to Thee 
I come in this hour of sorrow. To whom 
else shall I go ? Thou alone art my refuge 
and strength in every time of trouble. In 
this time of distress I lift my eyes unto Thee 
from whom cometh my help. Thou knowest 
my heart and art acquainted with my sor- 
rows. O God of compassion, give me 
strength to endure the chastening of Thy 
hand. Help me to resist all my temptations, 
and do Thou heal my afflictions. Break not 
the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking 
flax. Shut not up Thy tender mercies in 
displeasure ; but make me to hear of joy and 
gladness, that the bones which Thou hast 
broken may rejoice. Pardon my every sin. 
And O do Thou grant me the comforts of a 
holy hope. O Thou God of love ! seal upon 
my hea^rt this blessed truth, " that as a father 
pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them 
that fear him." 

Into Thy hands I commit myself. The 
Lord bless me and keep me : the Lord make 
His face to shine upon me, and be gracious 
unto me : the Lord lift up His countenance 



46 SWEET INCENSE. 

upon me, and give me peace, both now and 
evermore. Amen. 



In Sickness. 

O merciful Father, I implore Thee to look 
down in mercy upon me, now visited with 
bodily affliction and disease. Be Thou gra- 
ciously near as a rich fountain of comfort and 
strength. May I bear this sickness with 
Christian fortitude and patience. Thou hast 
taught us in Thy Word that all things work 
together for good unto them that love God. 
Hence I know, O Lord, that this sickness is 
for my spiritual good. Grant me the influ- 
ence of Thy Holy Spirit, that I may be com- 
forted and strengthened. May I have true 
repentance for all my sins, a firm faith in 
Jesus Christ, and grace to be in perfect char- 
ity with all men. 

Bless, O Lord, all the means that are used 
for my recovery, and if it be Thy will, re- 
store me to health. If thou hast appointed 
otherwise, Thy blessed will be done. Do 
Thou draw my affections from things below, 
and fill me with ardent desires after heaven. 
Lord, fit me for Thyself ; and in Thine own 
good time bring me to joys unspeakable and 
full of glory. Grant this for the sake of 
Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 47 

Upon Recovery. 

Almighty and gracious God ! I thank 
Thee for having raised me up again from my 
bed of sickness. Thou hast blessed the medi- ' 
cine, Thou hast given me strength to endure 
my suffering, Thou hast had pity on me like 
that of a father for his child. Therefore, 
praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not 
all His benefits. To Thee, O Lord, would 
I live in the future. I implore the aid of 
Thy Holy Spirit. By His help may I sub- 
due all unholy desires and break the power 
of evil habits. Let me never be drawn by 
the cares and pleasures of this world to neg- 
lect my duty to Thee. But give me grace 
always so to live that I may be found watch- 
ing whenever my appointed time shall come, 
and be ready to exchange this state of mor- 
tality for an immortal crown. This I ask 
through the mediation of Jesus Christ, my 
Savior and Redeemer. Amen. 



In Prospect of Death. 
O holy Jesus, who by Thy death hast 
overcome death, and by Thy passion hast 
taken away its sting, and made it the gate of 
heaven, and an entrance to eternal joy, have 
mercy upon me now, and in the last hour of 



48 SWEET INCENSE. 

my life. Help and guide me, O Lord, that 
I may neither err nor be lost in the dark 
valley and shadow of death. Let Thy word 
shine in my heart ; be with me in every 
time of need ; show me Thy salvation, and 
permit me not to fall from the comfort of 
the true faith. Preserve me ever in the 
communion and peace of Thy Church. May 
Thy holy angels be near to guard and de- 
fend me in my last hour. Grant me a sin- 
cere repentance, a strong faith, a joyful hope 
and a holy love. 

O do Thou, at the last, grant me a calm 
and peaceful departure out of this world and 
an entrance into the peace and rest, and joy 
of Thine eternal kingdom. 

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant de- 
part in peace, according to Thy word ; for 
mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. Amen. 



Young People's Meeting. 
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we 
have assembled, at this time, for the pur- 
pose of spending together a short time in 
the exercises of religious worship. We re- 
joice that this privilege is ours. And we 
beseech Thee to look upon us in mercy. 
For the sake of Jesus Christ Thy Son grant 
unto us the influences of Thy Holy Spirit. 



PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 49 

We know that we have sinned against 
Thee in thought, word and deed. But we 
rejoice to know that there is hope even for 
guilty sinners. In Jesus Christ, Thy Son, 
there is plenteous redemption. We praise 
Thee for the salvation He has purchased for 
us. For His sake, we pray Thee, forgive 
all our sins, and love us freely and do us 
good. 

Be pleased, O Lord, graciously to look 
upon us, at this time, as a band of worship- 
pers. May the short season we spend to- 
gether be both pleasant and profitable to our 
souls, and also redound to the glory of Thy 
great name. 

Oh, do Thou grant that the Holy Ghost 
may take up His abode with us, and rule in 
our hearts and over our lives. Look in 
great mercy upon the congregation of which 
we form a part. Grant unto it peace and 
prosperity. Bless its pastor. Crown his 
labors with abundant success. 

Let Thy blessing rest upon Thy Church 
universal. Greatly lengthen her cords and 
strengthen her stakes. Hasten the coming 
of Thy kingdom. 

Grant us, O Lord, these our feeble re- 
quests ; and the glory shall be Thine, Fa- 
ther, Son, and Holy Ghost, in a world with- 
out end. Amen. 4 



50 SWEET INCENSE. 

PRAYERS FOR MISSIONS. 



For Christian Missions. 

Almighty God, whose clearly beloved 
Son, after His resurrection from the dead, 
did send His apostles into all the world to 
preach the gospel to every creature, hear, we 
beseech Thee, the prayers of Thy people, and 
look down in Thy compassion upon the mul- 
titudes that are as sheep having no shepherd, 
and upon the fields now white unto the har- 
vest. Bless those Thy servants who, after 
the example of Thy first missionaries, have 
gone far hence to the Gentiles, and prosper 
Thou their work of faith and labor of love. 
Send forth more laborers into Thy harvest, 
to gather fruit unto life eternal. And grant 
us grace and power to be fellow-workers 
with them by our prayers and offerings, that 
we may also rejoice with them in Thy heav- 
enly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. 

1 pray Thee, bless all missionaries in home 
and foreign fields. Bless their labors that 
many may be turned from darkness into light, 
from sin unto righteousness, from death unto 
life everlasting. Let the time soon come 
when all nations and tribes shall be converted 






PRAYERS FOR MISSIONS. 51 

to God, and when there shall be none to do 
evil, all of which I ask for the dear Re- 
deemer's sake. Amen. 



For a Missionary Meeting. 

O God our Father, who didst send salva- 
tion into the world through Thy Son, Jesus 
Christ, grant Thy blessing unto us at this 
time and impart unto us the spirit of the 
Master. Do Thou awaken in us a lively 
interest in the cause of missions. Help us 
to show our gratitude for the blessings of 
the gospel by aiding in sending it forth to 
the destitute. Give unto us a burning zeal 
for the salvation of those sitting in the shad- 
ow of death. Have mercy upon the millions 
of people who are without a knowledge of 
Thee and the Savior. Send forth the light 
of Thy truth unto the ends of the earth, and 
hasten the time when all people shall know 
Thee, whom to know aright is life eternal. 
Bless all missionaries of the cross every- 
where, and crown their efforts with great 
success. Shield them against disease and 
persecution. 

O God, bless all the missionaries in whom 
we have a more direct interest. Sustain 
them by Thy grace, and fit them for their 
work. Open the hearts of those to whom 



52 SWEET INCENSE. 

they bring the blessed gospel, and let many 
be turned unto Thee that they may be saved. 
We beseech Thee, bless the gifts we bring 
for the cause of missions. Impart unto us 
the spirit of liberality. Do Thou dispose 
the hearts of all Thy children to take part 
in this blessed work. Grant unto Thy peo- 
ple a mind to work, that all may take part 
in sending forth the gospel of Thy Son, that 
Thy name may be glorified throughout the 
world, for Jesus' sake. 

Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYERS. 53 

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYERS. 



Opening Prayers. 
I. 

Almighty God, we thank Thee for the 
institution of the Sunday school, and we 
pray for Thy blessing upon it. We pray 
Thee to preside over the sessions of this 
school, accept our prayers and praises, and 
bless the exercises to the good of all present. 
We thank Thee for Thy word. Help us 
to understand and love it, that we may also 
obey it in our lives. We pray Thee, our 
Father, bless these baptized children, and 
help them to know that they are Thine. 
They have been dedicated to Thee in holy 
baptism. Give them grace to groAv up in 
Thee and for Thy glory. Bless the instruc- 
tions which they receive, that they may be 
made wise unto salvation. Bless their par- 
ents, and help them by precept and example 
to lead their children in the way of life. 

O Lord Jesus, Thou great Shepherd of 
the sheep, bless the lambs of Thy fold. In 
the days of Thy flesh Thou didst take the 
little ones upon Thine arms and bless them ; 
do Thou bless these children with Thy love, 
and with a knowledge of Thy truth. Shield 



54 SWEET INCENSE. 

them against the temptations of satan, and 
preserve them all unto life everlasting. 

O Lord, we pray Thee, bless the officers 
and teachers of this school. Bless all whom 
Thou hast called to the work of teaching. 
Endow them with Thy Holy Spirit, and 
help them faithfully to lead those committed 
to their care in the way of life. Crown their 
efforts with success, and reward them abun- 
dantly for their labor of love. 

AIL — I believe in God the Father, etc. 



II. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, 
whose mercies are new unto us every morn- 
ing, and Thy faithfulness every night, grant 
us, we pray Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that we 
may heartily acknowledge Thy merciful 
goodness toward us, give thanks for all Thy 
benefits, and serve Thee in willing obedi- 
ence, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Merciful God, we pray in behalf of these 
children and youths, that they may be more 
and more renewed by Thy Holy Spirit. 
Grant that they may receive with all readi- 
ness of mind the lessons of Thy word, that 
they may be brought to the full knowledge 
of Thy grace and to the true faith in Jesus 
Christ. Cause all sinful affections to die 



SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYERS. 00 

in them, and all things belonging to the 
Spirit to live and grow in them. Give them 
strength to gain the victory over the world, 
the flesh and the devil. Defend them against 
temptation and every snare. Let Thy fa- 
therly hand supply their wants for this life, 
and let Thy Holy Spirit guide them in the 
way of Thy commandments. Make them 
living members of Thy Holy Church, and 
heirs through hope of Thine everlasting 
kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Almighty and gracious God, we ask Thy 
blessing upon all Thy servants to whom 
Thou hast committed the work of teaching 
the young ; guide them, O Thou good Shep- 
herd of the sheep, that they may be able to 
guide the lambs of Thy flock in the way of 
life ; and give them Thy continual grace, 
that they may persevere in the good work 
which they have undertaken ; reward them 
abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, 
be all honor and glory, world without end. 
Amen. 



56 SWEET INCENSE. 

Closing Prayers. 
I. 

O God, our Father in heaven, we thank 
Thee for this session of our school. We 
thank Thee for the blessed gospel. We re- 
joice before Thee that Thou hast called us 
into Thy kingdom. Bless now, we pray 
Thee, the services of this hour. O grant 
that Thy word may be made to us all the 
power of God unto salvation. Let Thy 
truth abide in us, and do Thou evermore 
confirm us in it. Lord, help us to believe 
and to obey Thy word. Do Thou now gra- 
ciously forgive all our sins, and cause all 
evil desires to die in us. Pour out upon us 
Thy Holy Spirit, that He may guide us into 
all truth. Dismiss us with Thy blessing, 
and fill our hearts with joy and peace, for 
Jesus' sake. 

AIL — Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



II. 

Almighty God, we pray Thee, do Thou 
now grant Thy blessing upon the services of 
this school. Impress Thy truth upon the 
hearts of all present. Grant that the word 
of truth may find a lodgment in our hearts 
and bear fruit abundantly. Bless the efforts 



SUXDAY SCHOOL PRAYERS. 57 

of officers and teachers. May our work not 
be in vain. Bless all these scholars. Help 
them to love and to obey Thy word. We 
pray Thee to make this school a means by 
which many may be brought to the Lord 
Jesus and find the way of life. Bless Thou 
the parents of these children. Help them 
by Thy grace to teach their children by pre- 
cept and example. Watch over us now as 
w r e separate. Preserve us from evil and 
keep us by Thine almighty power unto life 
everlasting, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Our Father who art in heaven, etc. 



Prayer for a Teacher. 
Father in heaven, I thank Thee that Thou 
hast called me to take part in the instruction 
of the young. Do Thou now fit me for the 
work before me. Grant unto me a clear ap- 
prehension of Thy word. Teach Thou me, 
that I also may teach others. Help me to 
realize the solemnity of instructing immortal 
souls, and give me aptness to teach. Enable 
me to go before them with a pious example. 
Make Thy word quick and powerful in the 
hearts of all. Bless, I pray Thee, each of 
the scholars committed to my care. Grant 
that they may receive with all readiness of 
mind the lessons of Thy word, that they may 



58 - SWEET INCENSE. 

be brought to the full knowledge of Thy 
grace and to the true faith in Jesus Christ. 

O Lord, bless their parents. Help them 
to bring up their children in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord. Sanctify them, 
that they may feel a pious concern for the 
salvation of their children. Grant Thy 
blessing upon the instruction and admonition 
of parents and teachers, that all these chil- 
dren may become full members of Thy 
Church, and heirs of Thy salvation. Bless, 
O Lord, the superintendent and the pastor. 
Prosper our school, to the praise of Thy holy 
name, and to the salvation of all the mem- 
bers, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Prayer for a Scholar. 
Dear Father in heaven, I pray Thee for 
Thy blessing. I thank Thee for the Sunday 
school, where I may learn of Thee. I thank 
Thee that Thou hast so early called me into 
Thy covenant by baptism. Help me to re- 
member my Creator in the days of my youth, 
that I may not depart from Thy ways. Bless 
our school — officers, teachers and scholars. 
Help us to learn Thy truth with joy. Open 
our hearts that we may receive Thy word. 
Help us to love and obey Thy truth. O 
Lord, bless my teacher. Give him (or her) 



SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYERS. 59 

much joy in teaching others. Bless my 
parents, and help me to obey them in Thee. 
Forgive all my sins, and help me to be 
Thy obedient, faithful child, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



60 SWEET INCENSE. 

PRAYERS FOR EYERY DAY OF THE 
WEEK. 



Sunday Morning. 

This is the day the Lord hath made. I 
will rejoice and be glad in it. O God, my 
Father in heaven, I thank Thee for the rest 
of the past night, and for the light of this 
holy day. Lift upon me the light of Thy 
countenance, and be gracious unto me. Help 
me on this sacred day of rest to lift up my 
heart unto Thee who art the source of all 
light and life. As Thou hast given me to 
have part in the resurrection of the Lord, 
help me to seek those things which are above. 
Deliver me from the spirit of worldliness. 

O God, I thank Thee for the blessed day 
of rest. I thank Thee that after the labors 
of the week, Thou givest me a day of rest 
and holy privileges. Help me now to with- 
draw my thoughts from the world and to fix 
them upon Thee, the only true God. Enable 
me to spend the hours of the day in a man- 
ner that may be pleasing to Thee and profit- 
able to my soul. Prepare my heart for the 
reading and hearing of Thy holy word. Let 
Thy truth sink deep into my heart and bring 
forth good fruit. Help me to love and obey 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 61 

« 

Thy truth. Let Thy Holy Spirit guide me 
in my meditations. Prepare my heart for 
the services of this day, and grant that I may 
thereby obtain strength and grace for the 
duties and trials of coming days. 

O Lord, bless Thy people everywhere this 
day as they meet to worship Thee. Mani- 
fest Thvself unto them as Thou dost not unto 
the world. Grant them Thy Spirit, that 
they may worship Thee in spirit and in truth. 
Edify and comfort all Thy people by the 
preaching of Thy word. Incline the hearts 
of men everywhere to receive Thy holy word. 
Send forth Thy light and Thy truth unto the 
ends of the earth. Bless all those w T hom 
Thou hast called to preach the gospel. Give 
them an unction from above, and enable 
them to proclaim the truth with saving effect 
to many souls. Grant that many who are 
yet in their sins may be converted unto Thee. 
Bless the ministrations of all missionaries in 
home and foreign fields, and bring in the 
joyous time when all nations and kindreds 
and tongues shall come into Thy fold. 

O Father in heaven, bless and comfort all 
who may be in sorrow of any kind. Help 
all such to trust in Thee and find Thee a 
very present help in time of trouble. Hear 
me, O God, and answer me, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



62 SWEET INCENSE. 

Sunday Evening. 

Almighty God, I thank Thee for the bless- 
ings of Thy holy day. I thank Thee for its 
peace, rest and privileges. Thou givest me 
week after week a foretaste of the eternal 
rest of Thy saints in glory. Bless now all 
that has heen done in accordance with Thy 
will. Bless Thy holy word as it has been 
read and preached in many places this day. 
Let it not return unto Thee void, but let it 
accomplish the great purpose of edifying Thy 
people and calling sinners to repentance. 

O Lord, do Thou strengthen me by the 
rest and services of this day for the labors 
and duties of the coming week. Help me to 
go many days by the grace received this day. 
Enlighten me more and more by the truth 
as it is in Jesus. Give me an abiding sense 
of Thy goodness, and a child-like confidence 
in Thy love and mercy. Keep me from 
wandering from Thy paths, and lead me in 
the way everlasting. I confess my sins and 
guilt ; grant me Thy pardon, for the sake of 
the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Bless with me, O Lord, all Thy people 
everywhere. Remember in mercy all the 
children of affliction. Sanctify unto them 
their trials and sorrows, and help them to 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 63 

realize Thy nearness. Enable all to look 
unto Thee, the Great Physician, and may 
they find health for body and soul. Re- 
member the poor, the sick, the forsaken, the 
tempted. Give all such grace sufficient for 
every trial, and may their sorrows bring 
them nearer to Thee. 

O God, I now commit myself into Thy 
care for this night. Do Thou watch over 
me^ and bless me with refreshing rest, and 
permit me to rise again in health and re- 
newed strength. Help me to devote all my 
energies to Thy service, and prepare me for 
the eternal rest in heaven, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Monday Morning. 
Whom have I in heaven but Thee, O 
God ! and there is none upon earth that I 
desire above Thee. Thus far Thou hast 
led me on. The ark of Thy covenant has 
ever gone before me, guiding my way, de- 
fending me against my enemies, and assur- 
ing me of Thy continual presence and favor. 
During all my days Thou hast watched over 
me with a father's care, and hast blessed me 
with more than a father's love. Do Thou 
be with me still ; ever guide, defend and 
save me ; and when at last I shall approach 



SWEET INCENSE. 

the river of death, do Thou, O Lord, divide 
the waters before me, and lead me into Thy 
rest. 

O God, my Father, I thank Thee for 
another night of quiet and repose, and that 
I have been strengthened and refreshed for 
the duties of another day. Do Thou bless 
me this day. Ever make Thy face to shine 
upon me. Lift up the light of Thy coun- 
tenance upon those whom we love and upon 
Thy whole Church. Bless all mankind. 
Look pitifully upon the poor, the tried, the 
tempted, the forsaken, the oppressed, and 
all the children of sorrow. Be very near to 
such as are drawing nigh to death. Do 
Thou now fit me for Thy service, and for 
all the experiences before me, and prepare 
me daily for life everlasting, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Monday Evening. 
O Thou who dost never slumber nor 
sleep, I commit myself to Thy merciful care 
for this night. I thank Thee for Thy care 
over me during the day that is now past. I 
thank Thee for life, health, bodily comfort, 
and daily bread. I thank Thee for Thy 
grace by which I have been enabled to per- 
form my daily labor. Bless now, O God, 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 65 

the labor of my hands. Help me daily to 
be useful in my day and generation. Help 
me not to live to myself nor to the world, 
but unto Thee, my God and my Savior. 

Dear Father, give unto me now refresh- 
ing sleep and rest. Do Thou quicken me 
in body and soul, and prepare me for Thy 
service continually. Give Thine angels 
charge over me, to keep me in all my w r ays. 
I thank Thee that I am not my own, but 
belong, in body and soul, in life and death, 
to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who 
with His precious blood has satisfied for all 
my sins, and delivered me from the power 
of the devil, and so preserves me that with- 
out the will of my heavenly Father not a 
hair can fall from my head. I thank Thee 
for Thy fatherly care over me all my life 
long, and for the blessed assurance of eter- 
nal life, after the cares and sorrows of this 
present life on earth. Sanctify all my expe- 
riences in this life, that I may be daily pre- 
pared for the life above. 

Bless now with me all mankind. Bless 
all Thy children, and be merciful to all who 
are not Thine. Help all such to seek and 
find Thee. Bless the world that lieth in 
wickedness. Hasten the time when all shall 
know and serve Thee, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 5 



SWEET INCENSE. 

Tuesday Morning. 

O God, Thou art my God ; early will I 
seek Thee. My soul thirsteth for Thee, my 
flesh longeth for Thee. As the hart pant- 
eth after the water brooks, so panteth my 
soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth 
for God, for the living God. O give thanks 
unto the Lord, for He is good ; for His 
mercy endureth for ever. 

O God, to whom shall I go but unto Thee, 
for Thou hast the words of eternal life. In 
Thee I live, and move, and have my being. 
Breathe Thy Spirit into my soul, that I may 
daily die unto sin and be made alive in 
Thee. I thank Thee for the rest, peace and 
security of the past night. And now, as I 
enter upon the cares and toil of another day, 
I invoke Thy blessing upon me. Give me 
strength to crucify the flesh with its affec- 
tions and lusts, so that sin may no more 
have dominion over me. Grant me grace to 
present my body a living sacrifice, holy and 
acceptable, as a reasonable service. Grant 
me the guidance of Thy Holy Spirit, that I 
may walk in Thy way, and not in the way 
of sin and death. Give me a heart that is 
set to obey Thy commands. Let my delight 
be in Thy law. 






EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 67 

O God, prepare me for all that is before 
me. Sustain me continually by Thy grace 
in all time of trial and sore temptation. 
Have me in Thy care and keeping, that no 
evil may befall me. And when sorrows and 
afflictions come upon me, do Thou gra- 
ciously sanctify them unto me for good. 
Help me to know that all things must work 
together for good to them that love God. 

O Father in heaven, bless with me all 
for whom I should pray. Be merciful to 
all the children of men. Comfort the be- 
reaved, heal the sick, provide for the poor, 
and prepare the dying for a happy deliver- 
ance out of the sorrows of this life. Succor 
all that look unto Thee for help, and draw 
the hearts of all men unto Thee. Bless the 
world with a knowledge of Thy truth, and 
may the time soon come when all men shall 
know and obey and worship Thee, all of 
which I ask for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Tuesday Evening. 
Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place 
in all generations. Before the mountains 
were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst 
formed the earth and the world, even from 
everlasting to everlasting Thou art God. 
Unto Thee do I come to offer my evening 



68 SWEET INCENSE. 

sacrifice of prayer. Accept my gratitude for 
the blessings and mercies of this day. Thou 
hast been with me and hast kept me. Thee 
would I worship and adore. 

O Father, be with me now at the close of 
this day, and bestow upon me a Father's 
blessing. Sanctify me wholly, and preserve 
me in body, soul and spirit until the com- 
ing of the Lord Jesus Christ. Cause all 
sinful desires to die in me, and help me to 
live and grow in Thee. Help me to be pa- 
tient amid all the changes of this present, 
mortal life. Make me cheerful in faith, 
joyful in hope, and fill me with heavenly 
peace. 

Extend Thy blessing, I beseech Thee, to 
all ranks and conditions of men. Send re- 
lief and consolation to the children of afflic- 
tion and sorrow ; ease those in pain ; de- 
liver the oppressed and the persecuted. 
Prosper Thy kingdom in every land, and 
give light to them that sit in darkness, and 
in the region and shadow of death. Bless 
our land and nation, and all in authority, 
and grant that law and order, justice and 
peace may everywhere prevail. 

And now that the shadows of evening 
have again closed around my dwelling, I 
beseech Thee to spread over me the shelter 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 69 

of Thy protection during the watches of the 
night. When I lie down in sleep, do Thou 
cause me to rest in safety. Preserve me from 
all manner of evil, and permit me to rest 
in the arms of Thy love. And when Thou 
hast refreshed me with sleep, raise me up 
again in health and strength to praise Thee 
for Thy goodness. Thus may all my days 
and nights be spent with Thee, and in Thy 
bles&ed service, until I shall awake in Thy 
likeness and attain unto the rest which re- 
maineth for the people of God, through Je- 
sus Christ. Amen. 



Wednesday Morning. 

O God, my Father in heaven, I lift my 
heart in gratitude to Thee, for Thou hast 
kept me through the night. I thank Thee 
that Thou dost not grow weary in blessing 
me. Thy loving kindness is ever new unto 
me. I thank Thee for Thy preserving care 
over me during the night, and for the light 
of another day. In Thy name, O Lord, I 
w T ould enter upon the toils and cares of a 
new day. Be Thou with me and guide me 
in all my engagements, that I may serve 
Thee and live to Thee. Thine I am, and 
unto Thee would I live. 

O God, I humbly confess before Thee my 
sins and infirmities, and beseech Thee enter 



70 SWEET INCENSE. 

not into judgment with me. For the sake 
of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord and 
Savior, forgive all my sins and blot out all 
my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, 
O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and 
take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. A 
broken spirit and a contrite heart, O God, 
Thou wilt not despise. 

O Lord, help me to begin this day in Thy 
fear, and to end it to Thy glory. I am 
weak ; be Thou my strength. I am igno- 
rant and do easily err ; be Thou my light 
and my guide. Help me to live soberly, 
righteously and godly in this present evil 
world. Help me to go forth to my daily 
duties with cheerfulness and in humble de- 
pendence upon Thy aid. Prosper my la- 
bors and establish the work of my hands. 

O God, I humbly invoke Thy blessing 
upon all my friends and neighbors. Suit 
Thy blessing to the wants of all. Prosper 
and bless Thy people. Bless Thy Church, 
ministers and people. Bless my pastor in 
his efforts to lead souls to the Savior of the 
world and to glorify Thy name. Bless the 
preaching of Thy word, to the salvation of 
precious souls and to the praise of Thy glo- 
rious grace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 71 

Wednesday Evening. 

God, my dear Father in heaven, I lift 
my heart and voice unto Thee in gratitute 
and love. Thy mercies are new unto me 
every morning, and Thy faithfulness every 
night. I praise Thee for life, and health, 
and reason ; for food, and raiment, and 
home ; for friends and kindred. Help me 
to remember all Thy goodness, that it may 
awaken purer love and greater devotion to 
Thee in my heart. Enable me not to con- 
form my life to a sinful world, but to have 
my conversation in heaven. 

Give me strength for labors, courage for 
conflicts, patience under afflictions, fidelity 
to duty, and faith that shall endure unto the 
end, and shall make me more than a con- 
queror over sin and death. Grant me grace 
to keep my heart From evil thoughts, and 
my lips from speaking guile ; keep my feet 
from falling. Bless my intercourse with 
others. Help me to do unto others as I 
would that they should do unto me. Help 
me to be true and just in all my dealings. 

1 pray for all men. Be Thou merciful to 
all according to their several conditions and 
necessities, and may Thy goodness and lov- 
ing kindness draw the hearts of all unto Thy- 



72 SWEET INCENSE. 

self. May the sorrows of this life lead all 
to Thee, the source of life, comfort and peace. 

Bless unto me Thy word, O Lord. Help 
me daily to search the Scriptures in the 
light of Thy Holy Spirit. Impress Thy 
truth deeply and savingly upon my heart. 
May Thy word be unto me a lamp to my 
feet and a light to my pathway. May Thy 
word always be precious to my soul. May 
I love its precepts, understand its doctrines, 
and rest upon its promises. Lord, I be- 
lieve ; help Thou mine unbelief. When I 
read Thy word, do Thou Thyself teach me. 
May Thy truth fall upon good ground in 
my poor heart, and bring forth much fruit 
unto eternal life. 

O Lord, I now commit myself and all 
my interests into Thy care. Bless me, keep 
me, forgive me, and finally save me through 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



Thursday Morning. 
O God, my Father in heaven, I have lain 
down and slept, and have risen again. I 
thank Thee for Thy watchful care over me. 
Thou didst allow no evil to come nigh unto 
me, and hast brought me safely through the 
darkness of the night, to behold the light of 
a new day. Thankful for the mercies of 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 73 

the night, I commit myself unto Thee dur- 
ing: the hours of the new dav, beseeching 
Thee to guide me in the ways of truth and 
righteousness, for Thy name's sake. 

O God, do Thou order all my ways and 
send unto me such prosperity as Thou know- 
est to be best for me. Lead me by Thine 
Almighty hand, that I may not fall nor 
wander from Thy ways. Grant unto me 
the mind and spirit of the Lord Jesus, that 
I may desire and seek only those things that 
are pleasing in Thy sight. Fit me for Thy 
service. Enable me to let the light of the 
gospel shine in my life and conduct. May 
others see that I have been with Jesus, and 
have learned of Him. Grant unto me that 
peace which the world can neither give nor 
take away. Help me to live unto Thee, 
that I may finally also die in Thee and for- 
ever live with Thee in heaven, through Jesus 
Christ, my Lord and my Savior. Amen. 



Thursday Evening. 
O God, my heavenly Father, in whom I 
live, and move and have my being, I give 
Thee humble thanks for all Thy mercies re- 
newed unto me every day ; for life and 
health, for food and raiment, for relatives 
and friends, and for all mercies known and 



74 SWEET INCENSE. 

unknown. Grant that I may receive all 
things as coming from Thee, and show forth 
my gratitude by a holy and obedient life. 

I adore Thee for Thy fatherly care over 
me this day, and for all the blessings enjoyed. 
Grant now Thy blessing upon all that I have 
done this day, as far as it has been in accord- 
ance with Thy will ; and mercifully forgive 
all that is evil and displeasing in Thy sight. 
O do Thou give me a penitent heart, and for- 
give all my sins. Let my heart be set to 
obey Thy will and to glorify Thy name. 
Enable me to resist the temptations of the 
world, the flesh and the devil. Help me to 
choose Thy ways, and diligently walk there- 
in; help me to walk in the narrow way 
which leadeth unto life, and to shun the way 
of sin and death. 

O Lord, I now commit myself, body and 
soul, into Thy hands. Grant unto me re- 
freshing repose, and let no evil come nigh 
unto me. Preserve my health, and permit 
me to rise again in the morning with thanks- 
giving upon my lips and Thy love in my 
heart. Bless now, O Lord, all who are near 
and dear unto me, and all for whom I should 
pray. Be Thou especially gracious unto all 
suffering ones. Help them to cast their bur- 
dens upon the Lord, and do Thou grant unto 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 75 

them that peace which the world cannot give 
nor take away. Hear me for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Friday Morning. 

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, I approach to the throne of grace 
this morning with reverence and holy fear, 
begging of Thee mercy and peace, pardon 
and salvation. Thou art holy, and justly 
offended with me, but yet Thou art my gra- 
cious Lord and merciful Father in Christ 
Jesus. Be pleased, I beseech Thee, to blot 
out my sins from Thy remembrance, and 
heal my soul, and grant me grace that I 
may sin no more against Thee. Help me 
to realize my sins and infirmities. Create 
in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit 
within me, that I may have power to serve 
Thee in righteousness and true holiness all 
my days. 

Grant unto me, O Lord, an abiding sense 
of the vanity of all earthly things. Forbid 
that I should be occupied unduly with the 
things of the world. Help me to lay up 
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor 
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not 
break through nor steal. Keep me mindful 
that I have no continuing city here, that 



76 SWEET INCENSE. 

this world is not my home ; and help me to 
seek a city which hath foundations, whose 
maker and builder is God. 

Now, Lord, be gracious unto me this day. 
Help me to serve Thee in all the occupa- 
tions of life. Sanctify me by Thy truth ; 
Thy word is truth. Prepare me so to live 
that others may be influenced for good by 
my example. Prepare me for the trials of 
life. When I am tempted, give me grace 
that I may not consent to do evil. Lead 
me not into temptation, but deliver me from 
evil. 

O God, direct me by Thy word and Spirit, 
that I may spend my days in Thy fear and 
in Thy service, and for Thy praise. Over- 
rule all my experiences for good. Choose 
out for me all my ways, and help me to 
walk therein. To Thee would I live, and 
in Thee would I die, through Jesus Christ, 
my Savior. Amen. 

Friday Evening. 
O Lord God, whose mercy is from ever- 
lasting to everlasting, I thank Thee for Thy 
grace by which I have been sustained this 
day. Thou has kept me and helped me to 
perform my daily labor, and Thou hast pro- 
vided for my daily wants. Help me to ac- 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 77 

cept all blessings as coming from Thy fa- 
therly hand. I thank Thee that Thou art 
ever mindful of my wants, and dost supply 
them so bountifully. Help me to receive 
and enjoy them with a grateful and loving 
heart. Thou art the Giver of every good 
and perfect gift, and unto Thee would I ren- 
der unfeigned thanks for all Thy goodness 
unto me. 

O Lord, bless the labors and experiences 
of the day that is past. Bless my inter- 
course with my fellowmen. Bless all men — 
relatives, friends, neighbors, and enemies. 
Bestow Thy saving grace upon all. Grant 
unto all faith and true repentance, and lead 
them to the Savior of mankind. 

Bless, O Lord, Thy holy Church, espe- 
cially that branch of which I am a member. 
Prosper and bless all her ministers and peo- 
ple, all her institutions, and all the efforts 
of Thy people for the extension of Thy 
kingdom in the world. May the light of 
the gospel speedily shine everywhere, and 
banish the darkness of sin from the earth. 
May the set time soon come when all the 
people of the earth shall be Thy people. 

O Lord God, I now commit myself into 
Thy hands. Be Thou with me when I lie 
down, and when I rise up ; be Thou with 



78 SWEET INCENSE. 

me in sickness and in health ; and in the 
hour of death forsake me not, merciful 
Savior, but grant me a calm and peaceful 
departure out of this world, and a trium- 
phant entrance into Thy heavenly kingdom, 
through Jesus Christ, my Lord and my 
Savior. Amen. 



Saturday Morning. 
O God, my Father, this morning I lift 
my heart unto Thee in thanksgiving. Thou 
hast graciously preserved me. Thou dost 
permit me to lie down at night under the 
shadow of Thy wings, and to awake in the 
morning to the light of Thy love. I thank 
Thee for another night of peace and rest ; 
for another day of life, health and hope. O 
Lord, may I be found faithful to Thee in 
the duties of this day ; and amid its temp- 
tations and trials, do Thou sustain, .comfort 
and keep me, and give me grace in all I do 
to seek Thy glory. Give me grace, that 
wherever I go and whatever I do, I may 
remember Thee and do Thy will. Help me 
to be an humble, faithful follower of the 
Lord Jesus Christ. Bless Thou the labors 
of my hands. Make me a useful member 
of Thy Church and of society. Bless all 
my friends, my neighbors and my enemies. 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 79 

Help all to be Thy true children. Be gra- 
cious to all in sorrow of any kind. Over- 
rule the trials and afflictions of all people to 
their good. Help them to seek and find 
Thee a God supremely kind. Bless Thy 
Church everywhere. Bless Thy w r ord to all 
w r ho read and hear it, and do Thou send 
forth the light of Thy truth unto the ends 
of the earth. Forgive now all my sins, and 
fill me with the righteousness of Jesus, for 
Thy name's sake. Amen. 



Saturday Evening. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that 
is within me, bless His holy name. Bless 
the Lord, O my soul/ and forget not all His 
benefits ; who forgiveth all thine iniquities, 
who healeth all thy diseases ; who redeem- 
eth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth 
thee with loving kindness and tender mer- 
cies ; who satisfieth thy mouth with good 
things, so that thy youth is renewed like 
the eagle's. 

O God, I thank Thee that Thou hast 
brought me safely to the close of another 
day and another week. Day by day Thou 
hast supplied my wants ; night by night 
Thou hast watched over me and kept me. 
Thus far Thou hast brought me on my 



80 SWEET INCENSE. 

way to Thee. Hitherto the Lord has helped 
me. He has been with me in the house and 
by the way. He has never ceased to do 
good unto me. O God, I thank Thee for 
all Thy mercies and favors manifested to me 
during my past life. Keep me mindful of 
them, that I may never cease to thank and 
praise Thee. Thou art the Giver of every 
good and perfect gift, and Thy hand has 
ever been open to dispense blessings unto 
me. Grant me now grace to appreciate Thy 
goodness and Thy loving-kindness. 

O God, the close of another week reminds 
me of the close of my life. Help me to keep 
my latter end in view, that I may live in ac- 
cordance therewith. So teach me to number 
my days that I may apply my heart unto 
wisdom. Help me so to live that when the 
hour of death cometh, I may depart in peace 
and be with the Lord. Grant me true re- 
pentance for all my sins, and wash them 
away in the blood of the Lamb. Take away 
from my heart all that is evil, and fill me with 
the righteousness of my Savior. To Thee, 
O Lord, I now commit my all. Care Thou 
for me, and keep me. 

O my Father, prepare me for the blessings 
and privileges of the Lord's Day. Help me 
to withdraw my thoughts from the things of 



EVERY DAY PRAYERS. 81 

the world, and to fix them upon Thee. Pre- 
pare my heart to receive Thy holy word. 
Abide now with me, bless me, keep me, and 
when all my days on earth are ended, re- 
ceive me to Thyself in heaven, for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 
6 



TABLE OF CONTENTS: 



PAGE 

The Ten Commandments 3 

The Apostles' Creed 4 

The Twenty-third Psalm 5 

The Lord's Prayer 6 

Prayers for Children 6 

Table Prayers 10 

Prayers Before and After Church Service 11 

Birthday Anniversary Prayer 13 

Baptismal Anniversary Prayer 14 

Prayers for Catechumens : 

Before Instruction 16 

After Instruction 18 

Before Confirmation.. 21 

After Confirmation 25 

Prayers for Communion : 

Before Communion 27 

After Communion 29 

Prayers at Festivals : 

Advent 31 

Christmas 32 

At the Close of the Year. 33 

New Year's Day 35 

Lent 37 

Good Friday 38 

Easter 40 

Ascension Day 42 

Whitsunday — Pentecost 43 



84 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

Prayers for Special Occasions : 

In Tribulation 45 

In Sickness 46 

Upon Recovery... , 47 

In Prospect of Death .. 47 

Young People's Meeting 48 

Prayers for Missions 50 

Sunday School Prayers : 

Opening Prayers 53 

Closing Prayers 56 

Prayer for a Teacher , 57 

Prayer for a Scholar.... 58 

Prayers for Every Day of the Week : 

Sunday Morning.... 60 

Sunday Evening 62 

Monday Morning * 63 

Monday Evening. 64 

Tuesday Morning 66 

Tuesday Evening.......... 67 

Wednesday Morning 69 

Wednesday Evening 71 

Thursday Morning...,. 72 

Thursday Evening........ 73 

Friday Morning 75 

Friday Evening 76 

Saturday Morning 78 

Saturday Evening....... 79 



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